This month for the Leisure Arts Review and Giveaway Pick we have the new release Great Cotton Tops! Designed with warmer weather in mind, these five patterns were crocheted using cotton yarn. Each design is available in multiple sizes and classified as an Easy (advanced) level pattern. Learn more about this month’s Featured Pick and even enter for a chance to win your very own eBook copy!

Title: Great Cotton Tops
Designs Featuring: Lion Brand’s 24/7 Cotton Yarn
Publisher: Leisure Arts, Inc., 2017
ISBN: 978-1-4647-6584-1
Price (USD): $4.99 eBook, $5.99 Paperback
(Current Price at the time this post was published.  Please note, all prices are subject to change).

Great Cotton Tops Review

Great Cotton Tops features 5 beautiful cotton tops you can crochet using Lion Brand® 24/7 Cotton® yarn. 24/7 Cotton® is a worsted-weight yarn, made from 100% natural fibers. The yarn has been mercerized and as a result has both beautiful sheen and striking color.  Lion Brand® 24/7 Cotton® yarn is available in 24 colors, providing you with many options for your Great Cotton Tops.

Each of the five patterns featured in Great Cotton Tops includes sizes XS/S, M/L, and 1X/3X. The patterns are written in American (US English) Crochet Terms and include schematics with measurements for each of the sizes. The patterns are written at an easy (advanced) level and are straightforward and easy to follow.  You can find the beginning of each row/round easily because they have been printed in a bolded font.

The beginning of each pattern provides the basic information about the pattern including the amount and colors of yarn used, hook sizes, additional supplies you may need and gauge information. Following this you will find a Stitch Guide specific to the pattern. For example if the V-Stitch is used you will find a description of how to crochet the stitch as well as what abbreviation has been used. Important Notes are included just before the pattern instructions begin. Be sure to read these as they explain how the project is crocheted and assembled.

The Flower Lace Tunic and Kimono Coverup are constructed by assembling squares into the finished design. The schematics are detailed and show you which square needs to be placed in each position. Each section of the written patterns is specific to a size and side and these changes are clearly noted. You will see headings included for “Right Shoulder” etc.

When you are working through the pattern you will also find explanations to explain the changes in the pattern instructions for Decreasing or Increasing, and if a set of instructions is applicable to only one of the sizes this is clearly indicated. You will see “Proceed to…” at the end of one section when the next Row/Round is only specific to a single size. I find this very helpful for keeping track of where you need to proceed for the size you are making.

I also noticed in the instructions a note indicating when you see (0) repeats for a set of written instructions this means you do not perform that line of instructions for a specific size. The patterns have been written for the smallest size with the changes for the larger sizes in parenthesis. You will see something like: 3{4-6}. Which means XS/S repeats 3 times, M/L repeats 4 times and 1X/3X repeats 6 times.

The 5 patterns included are:

• Beach Coverup (Hook Size: 3.75 mm, F-5)
• Flower Lace Tunic (Hook Size: 3.75 mm, F-5)
• Kimono Coverup (Hook Size: 3.75 mm, F-5)
• Openwork Top (Hook Size: 4.25 mm, G-6)
• Fringed Tank Top (Hook Size: 4.25 mm, G-6)

More Images from Great Cotton Tops.

The general instructions are included beginning on page 46. You will find the abbreviations which have been used, an explanation about gauge and how you can check your gauge, a comparison chart for crochet terminology for U.S. and International terms and a description of the Terms Used for fasten off and right side.

My favorite design is the Beach Coverup – I love how it is crocheted in a variety of stitches, the use of color and the way the sleeves were created. I find it a striking combination.

I also love the Kimono Coverup. I think it could be worn with a variety of outfits. I am even thinking if I crocheted all those squares in a single color it might look lovely as a cover-up for a sundress.

Great Cotton Tops is a great place to start if you want to try to crochet a garment for yourself, or a friend. The yarn selected for these designs is affordable and available in a beautiful range of colors. With each of the patterns available in multiple sizes ranging from XS to 3X they can be crocheted for a wide range of people.

Would you like to win a eBook copy of Great Cotton Tops ?

Here’s how you can enter for a chance to win!

This Giveaway is open worldwide where allowed by law.

Start Date: August 1, 2017; 12:00 am ET
End Date: August 8, 2017, 11:59 pm ET

In order to enter the giveaway, you must have (or be willing to sign up for) a free Leisure Arts dot com account. If you do not have one yet, you can sign up here:
LeisureArts.com

If you cannot see the Rafflecopter Widget below, please click HERE.

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If you are not the lucky winner of the giveaway and you would like to purchase your own copy of Great Cotton Tops you can get it directly from Leisure Arts:

 
Great Cotton Tops – $5.99
from: Leisure Arts, Inc.

I’d like to thank Leisure Arts, Inc. for providing me with the review copy of Great Cotton Tops and for the giveaway copy for my readers!

All images are used with permission from Leisure Arts, Inc. For more information about Leisure Arts, Inc. visit their website, Facebook or Twitter!